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Denver Broncos fullback Peyton Hillis runs into a wall of Oakland Raiders defenders near the goal line during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game in Oakland, California September 8, 2008. (REUTERS/Robert Galbraith)

The Denver Broncos can beat the Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders pose the toughest challenge the Broncos have faced in 2009. Their defense is aggressive at all levels, especially along the defensive line, and their offense is underrated behind their duo of big bruising backs Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. What’s more, the Raiders are a bad call away from being 2-0. (No seriously, they should be. Ed Hochuli can be at peace now; his zebra brethren repaid the debt).

It won’t be easy, and at times it won’t be fun, but beating the Raiders can be done.

Here’s how.

What the Chiefs did right

The Raiders have played two teams now, winning once and losing once. It would seem odd to want to model a gameplan after the team that lost, but based on the stats it’s clear the Chiefs played much better against the Raiders than the Chargers did. Had Kansas City not shot itself in the foot several times over, it would have dropped Oakland to 0-2. Take a look:

OAK

Week 1 vs. SD

Week 2 at KC

Points

20

13

Yards

366

166

Rush Yds

148

67

Yds allowed

317

409

Here are some of the things the Chiefs did right:

Contained the running game. The Chiefs were much more solid against the run than the Chargers were. The Oakland offensive line that looked semi-dominant in week one was brought back to earth, struggling to get a push against Kansas City’s revamped 3-4 front. It was clear the running backs were more hesitant in their approach in runs up the middle in Week 2, likely because Oakland’s line had a tough time getting a good push, while the Chiefs linebackers were faster and more physical in stopping runs to the outside than their Charger counterparts.

Eliminated Zach Miller. The Raiders tight end exploded in week one but was nonexistent in week two. Is it any coincidence that JaMarcus Russell had one of the worst games of his career a week after repeatedly hitting Miller for decent chunks in the middle of San Diego’s defense? The Chiefs made a point of taking Miller out of the game, mostly employing linebacker coverage and double coverage to take him out.

Short and medium passes. The Chiefs didn’t take many shots down the field, and when they did, it ended disastrous for them. The Raiders’ secondary is teeming with talent, particularly with Nnamdi Asomugha and (this season) Michael Huff. Huff’s story is particularly intriguing; his move from strong to free safety has already paid huge dividends as the fourth-year man has tallied three interceptions in two games. The Chiefs were able to rake up over 400 yards with a predominantly dink and dunk offense, and the Broncos would be wise to do the same and not challenge those athletic playmakers in the back end.

Accounting for Richard Seymour and the D-Line

If Josh McDaniels wanted a challenge, he’s got it. The Raiders’ defense is built to stop the very spread offense McDaniels loves to employ, mostly because of its disruptive defensive line.

I wasn’t a fan of the addition of Richard Seymour, feeling that the five-time Pro Bowler was past his prime and not worth a first round pick. So far, I’m eating my words – Seymour has been dominant and is already lining up all over the defensive line. He plays predominantly RDE and RDT, lining up against the offense’s LT and LG, but he’s seen a few snaps everywhere. Combined with the free agent acquisition of Greg Ellis and an already stout middle, I’m hard-pressed to think of a more talented 4-3 defensive line in the league.

Defensive end Richard Seymour #92 of the Oakland Raiders gestures toward the sidelines during a timeout during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 20, 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

It’s classic football, strength vs. strength – I wouldn’t trade Denver’s o-line for another in the league, so this matchup should dictate the tone of the entire game. In my mind, if either side is the clear victor in this battle, that team will win the game.

We know McDaniels likes to line up in four or five wide receiver sets and give Kyle Orton plenty of options, but it’s difficult to assume a five-man front can handle the likes of Seymour, Ellis and company. Even the Broncos o-line.

So if I’m the Raiders, the first thing I’m trying to do is cause a matchup problem with Seymour. Denver’s offensive line is solid across the entire front, but if one lineman can be put on skates it’s LG Ben Hamilton. For that reason I expect the Raiders to line up Seymour predominantly at RDT and try to force a one-on-one with Hamilton whenever possible (especially with Hamilton having been listed on the injury report this week).

Can we count on Hamilton to win that battle every single time? He’s solid, but I don’t think so. Casey Wiegmann will need to help whenever possible, if for the indirect advantage more than the direct one. Giving Hamilton help will spell the veteran guard in preparation for the times where he will have to face Seymour one-on-one. And no matter how well the Broncos scheme, the Raiders will blitz enough to make it happen.

The Broncos offensive line is so good, though, that I don’t see Ellis and company beating the rest of the o-linemen more than once or twice, and Orton has shown the ability to get rid of the ball when necessary. Key on Seymour and the rest will fall into place.

Preparing for Good JaMarcus — if such a person exists anymore

JaMarcus Russell‘s 2009 completion percentage stands at 35%. That’s low. That’s so ridiculously low it’s laughable. What’s worse is seeing the throws – Russell is just plain inaccurate. Wide open receivers five yards away are repeatedly victims of just silly over and underthrows.

That being said, Russell had the best game of his career against the Broncos last year, going 10/11 for 152 yards, one TD, zero INTs and a 149.1 passer rating.

Don’t assume Russell will struggle every week. Don’t assume you can give him time in the pocket and he’ll be inaccurate anyway. The Broncos need to get in his face and make him uncomfortable. The Broncos need to ensure that he continues to suck.

Because Russell did have some highlight-reel throws, particularly in the fourth quarter of both games.

The reason is clear in hindsight – Russell’s been groomed in the Raiders’ vertical passing attack, and he has the big arm to match. Give him time in the pocket and he’ll pick apart your secondary. As McDaniels pointed out, Russell leads the league in yards per completion.

Don’t even give Russell the time to beat you. The Broncos’ DB’s are probably good enough to handle just about anything Oakland WR’s can dish one-on-one. While the linebackers will be needed in run support (McFadden and Bush don’t mess around), Mike Nolan‘s boys are smart enough to be able to get creative with blitzes and pressure packages and not get caught off guard. Don’t let the play develop; get in JR’s face before his seventh step.

In other words, make absolutely sure Bad JaMarcus comes out to play.

Respect Nnamdi Asomugha and Michael Huff

Brandon Marshall has never scored a touchdown or had a 100-yard game against the Raiders, and if Asomugha is covering him again that won’t change. The Broncos shouldn’t force it to BMarsh if he’s being smothered by Nnamdi.

Huff has been equally impressive this season, perhaps most so because of his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes. He is repeatedly finding himself in the proper position to make a play, and you can see him reading the quarterback as he does. The Broncos shouldn’t push it deep because of this; these two are a dangerous combo.

And they shouldn’t need to. The Raiders’ offense is anemic, and so the Broncos can afford to be conservative (or perhaps “smart” is the better word) and dink-dunk their way to victory.

And if they do get a chance at a shot downfield, make sure Huff is preoccupied and it’s against one-on-one coverage behind Stanford Routt. The Chiefs found a way to get Dwayne Bowe lined up against the nickelback and turned it into their biggest play, a decent-lengthed touchdown toss.

The prediction

If the Broncos offensive line can hold up, they should be able to utilize short throws and screens to loosen up the Raiders defense. In turn, this will get their ground game going. On defense the Broncos secondary is more talented than Oakland’s wide receivers, but Russell has the ability to make the difference if he has time in the pocket. He hasn’t gotten comfortable yet this season, and if the Broncos can keep the discomfort they should have no trouble coming home from the Black Hole with a ‘W.’

It’s a closer, more hard-fought battle than the final score indicates, but I have the Broncos 17, Raiders 6.

steeplebomb

This game is going to be decided in the line play. It all depends on which team can establish the run, which means that making gaps is crucial. Orton is nothing special, especially against a secondary with Huff and Asomugha. At the same time, Cheeseburger has horrible accuracy and I doubt the Raiders offense is going to plan on relying on him. If our Oline can hold back Seymour and Co. this game will go very well. At the same time, If our defense can't clog the holes, Bush and McFadden are going to run all over us.

I think we have the edge because I think the Oline play of the Raiders is in trouble. They aren't using max protect because they want to. They're doing it because they have to give Cheeseburger a chance in the pocket. Also, Gallery with a broken leg isn't helping them at all.

All and all, I think Broncos 17-24

Go America. Go Broncos.

fingersrdrs

Raiders 27….. Broncos 10

Rob_Bronco

Oakland has survived on their Defense alone. Their offense is awful, and JaMarcus Russell is an absolute joke. He's incredibly lucky to have a 35% completion rate. I've watched him the past few weeks, and he has no ability to lead the receiver. He's too big to scramble out of the pocket, so he'll hold the ball longer than other quarterbacks. The Raiders are going to RUN, FORREST, RUN all day long. And the Broncos are going to have to find an answer for that pretty quickly. If the Broncos can get out to an early lead, the Raiders will have to shelve the running game and force Russell to throw the ball.

The key to the success for the Broncos is going to be exactly what Orton is good at – short passing plays from scrimmage. If Stokely is out on Sunday, we are REALLY going to miss him because he's going to be the key here. We need that short yard clutch receiver to pick up 5-6 yards, and there's no one better than Stokely.

This isn't going to be a high scoring game. Both teams are going to run, and Russell is going to throw a couple of deep balls, but only God knows where they are going to land. Final Score -Broncos 16, Oakland 13

Denverescape

Our team plays good but Orton is not highly reliable especially with a good defense showing up in his face, these guys gotten alot better with seymour in the line-up and no one will man-up against him pairing with Nnamdi Asomugha damn that defense is stacked, havent seen them do better ever since 2002, so we gotta play one helluva game no more fluke catches, Denver loses in the 4th quarter 17-7 raiders! if everything is screwed realistically..

WhidbeyBronco

Well written and all good comments above… I'll just chime in with AGREED. We win the battle on the line and don't turn the ball over. We win.

We MUST win. These are the freaking raiders. If anybody here hates them half as much as I do, you might want to seek help, that's an unhealthy level.

Go Broncos!!

http://twitter.com/Sugawolf Sonny

This will be the first game that Denver has played this year against a very physical team. This Raiders D can dominate and take over a game when they are on and being at home the Raiders D should come out playing well.

As for Russell, over his last 7 games last year he had a 68% completion percentage. At LSU Russell had a 67% completion percentage and as bad as his last couple games were he still holds the NFL lead for yards per completion over all QB's.

Russell in both games once under the pressure of trying to come from behind lead what should have been the game winning drive against the Chargers hitting a 57 yard TD on a 4th and 15. The next week after playing bad all game long when he needed to with 1:38 left to play Russell lead them on a game winning drive.

When Russell has one of his good days he can kill you and that is the Russell Denver better be expecting to see because if they take it for granted that he will play bad and over look him, he could end up doing Denver in.

My take is that the Raiders D makes it a very long day for the Denver offense. The game will come down to what Raider offense that happens to show up, the one that tore a healthy Chargers D up or the offense that took the day off against the Chiefs. That question is what should determine the winner.

marksterbenk

Talk all you want about the match ups on offense and defense. What your not taking into consideration is that your playing in the BLACK HOLE. Just ask SanDiego and Philip (Cry Me A River) Rivers about the crowd and noise he encountered. Expect alot of False starts, O holding due to the noise and frustration of playing in the “HOLE”. RAIDERS 24 DONKEYS 10. Your team has played 2 of the worst teams in the NFL and are lucky to be 2-0.Raiders were screwed on week 1 by a bad call and came away with an ugly win on week 2 in KC home opener. Should be tied with the Donkeys 2-0.

starblazer

whatever happens w have more hardware than you…………LOL

GO RAIDERS

what honey, we need more brasso polish……ok I'll go out and get some………don't want those Lombardi's to tarnish……..

broncoinva9986

Broncos are going to have to play defense to stop the Raiders running attack. Continue playing smart football with no turnovers. Establish a running game and get the lead early.. Denver should win 24-13

fingersrdrs

Don't forget Chris Johnson .. He shut down Marshall and your pass game last year in Denver… He's played very well… I cringe when Routt comes in though… He's very fast but his reads are suspect .. If Russells on it will be a long day for your Broncos… And if he's just medicore the Raiders should still win a closer game… If he stinks our run game problably won't get off the ground and it could be a long day for the Raiders…… I think Russell has a good game and the Raiders win…Raiders 27.. Broncos 10…

fingersrdrs

Ohh.. We also have a better kicking game if it's close… Janikowski can kick a 60 yarder… Lecter can pin anyone back… Haven't heard anyone mention special teams…

steeplebomb

Problem with that is Russell is squarely in the 'stink' category this season. It doesn't matter how good he was at the end of last season or in college if he doesn't have the accuracy to complete a three yard check down tomorrow.

fingersrdrs

I agree… If Russells at 35% tomorrow were in trouble… IMO, he's not always gonna be at 35%… were counting on the Russell that beat the Broncos at invesco last year… Just like I don't think Ortons gonna be the same aginst our defense as he was aginst the Browns… Were expecting the same Orton that threw all those ints in pre season and the Orton that couldn't score aginst cincy… I think you'll agree that if Russell and Orton always played the same we wouldn't need to play the games… I like the Raiders chances… And I understand you hopeing that he continues to be inaccurate..

oldschooled

I expect a blowout Im gonna say 38-10 Broncos as Orton shreds the Raiders man coverage. If anything Mcdaniel and Orton are looking forward to the fools that would try and play man against this offense so early in the season.

Expect to see plenty of two @ three TE sets in which the broncos will power run out of it and then playaction out of it as well .

fingersrdrs

I think the mistake you bronco fans are making is calling 2 games a season… It's exactly what it is.. Just 2 games… We could very easily be 2 & 0 and the Broncos could very easily be 1&1.. Agreed?

http://broncotalk.net Kyle

Definitely agree fingers. Can't wait for tomorrow.

rdrjoe

I have read some good comments, & some completely biased ones. This is a reality check, this is the same Raiders that punched out the Bolts in game one, yes, got hosed on a horrible call (whats new?) & went prevent at (again) the worst possible moment. The Chiefs I watched last year showed sigs of having the talent & had some good wins, so they were nowhere near as bad as their record, they were a bit scary. Bolts? same team that stomped the living dog snot out the Broncs when it counted, last 2 years.

So, taking those facts into consideration, along with the fluke (made me smile) deflected pass miracle play to beat the Bungles? Beating up the Browns?

Its like Kimbo Slice, they now get to get some serious ring time. Raiders 24-17

Denverescape

If we lose to the raiders tom. kiss our season goodbye, the remaining opponents are probably feisting on us, while were enjoying this 2-0 run for glory, we should really think about putting our hands over eyes hoping to beat oakland tom. because this will be a decent team to beat before playing the elite teams of the nfl..this season is Orton's last & Mcdaniels dream is going down the drain if daniel graham crackers don't catch any td's, Marshall's morale don't catch td's, eddie royale don't catch any td's,Buckhalter don't catch any rushers! then our encore should be denver beethovens!

Rob_Bronco

LOL @ these Chokeland fans. Did someone say that JaMarcus Russell had a 67% completion rate – EVER? That guy flat out sucks. Everyone on FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network, Playstation, XBox, and anyone with a television knows it. McFadden can run, no doubt about it. But he's not a premier back. And he never will be because the Raiders have the Running Back by Committee approach right now.

And is RDJOE saying that the Radiators beat the incredibly talented Chiefs? LOL! Get out of here. You've got to be out of your mind. The Broncos beat the Browns and beat the Bengals. Now they are going to add the crappy Raiders to the list, and they'll have beaten three crappy teams so far this season. :)

fingersrdrs

The Raiders offense was bad in the chiefs game.. But Russell managed to put together a very good drive in the last 2 minutes to pull out a win and that's something they couldn't just just a short while ago… That being said , Denver has only scored 6 more points so far.. I wouldn't base the identidy of these 2 teams just based on 2 games.. Theirs still 14 left to play and either team could tank or go on be great…Nobody has established anything yet…Give it a few more weeks and both the Raiders and Broncos may have an established identidy…. Looking for a very good game today…

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